STEVE WOLFE's 'SEEDS OF WELLNESS:' Initiative focuses on men's health

The month of June is always a month for recognizing fathers across the United States.

While much is always made of the importance of moms to the family (who can argue, but we are talking about men this month), let’s not underestimate the importance of fathers to their family and society.

This column isn’t to rattle off statistics about what happens when men are not active in the family, rather to encourage men to take better care of themselves, because your family and our nation need you.

One of the Community Health Initiatives for Indiana County is to reduce the percentage of adults who are obese or overweight, a startling 71 percent of Indiana County residents.

Approximately 34 percent of residents fall into that the obese category — a BMI (body mass index) of greater than 30 percent. When you segment the largest population within the obese category, it is men ages 45-64, which includes a lot of dads and granddads.

Men are tired; under enormous stress in the workplace; struggle to find the balance and energy to be husbands and fathers; and often leave the task of taking care of themselves to last.

Also, men traditionally are not very good in asking for help.

IRMC offers classes that address healthy eating, weight loss and stress management — all of these classes are predominantly attended by woman.

Just as an aside for men who are worried about their wives, IRMC has a presentation called “Woman in Your Life” from the National Stroke Association that discusses the role of stroke in women.

IRMC is finalizing its certification to become a primary stroke center to help care for our community better.

Men, take a look in the mirror, is it time to get serious about losing weight?

The extra weight, especially around the waist, puts men at increased risk for heart attacks, metabolic syndrome and diabetes.

The nicer weather is a great time to start exercising (consult your physician prior to beginning any exercise program), eat healthy, locally grown foods and lose weight for the swimming suit. Consider joining one of the classes or the S&T Wellness Center or just stop by for a free body composition analysis.

The Wellness Center is located at 2010 Shelly Drive, White Township, and is open Monday through Friday from 6:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Call (724) 357-8088 for a jump start on your health.

Steve Wolfe, the President and CEO of Indiana Regional Medical Center, writes the periodic Seeds of Wellness column in The Indiana Gazette. His columns appear Tuesdays on the Health Page in the paper and in the Community News on The Indiana Gazette Online.
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